M
O R E T H A N 1 8 m i l l i o n
A m e r i c a n s s u f f e r f r o m
ob s t r uc t ive sle ep a pne a
(OSA), a chronic condition
marked by frequent periods of breath-
ing cessation during sleep. Caused by
collapse of the upper airway, and often
accompanied by snoring, OSA has been
linked to a host of health problems.
These range from daytime sleepiness
to weight gain, depression, headaches,
and even elevated risk of heart disease
and stroke. Although treatments have
existed since the 1970s, approximately
one of five people with OSA have been
unable to find relief.
"Studies have shown that sleep apnea
is as prevalent as adult diabetes and
asthma, but about 20 percent of people
with moderate to severe OSA are unable
to get on any current therapy for a variety
By Alex Strauss
Kingman Strohl, MD, Director of Sleep Medicine at University Hospitals (UH) Case Medical Center, is shown here with the Inspire neurostimulator, an implantable electronic pacemaker-like
device FDA-approved in May for the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in select patients.
PHOTO
©
SMITHBERGER
PHOTOGRAPHY,
NORTH
CANTON
NEW APPROACH TO OSA
AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT UH
TECHNOLOGY FE AT UR E
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Cleveland/Akron/Canton MD NEWS ■ M D N E W S . CO M ■ N OV E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4
